Uterine Artery Doppler (UAD) is a very specialized ultrasound of the maternal uterus.  It requires mapping out the uterine arteries on both sides of the uterus and then obtaining doppler measurements.  Those measurements are interpreted and help in determining a patient’s risk of developing preeclampsia during the current pregnancy.  This test is best performed around 18-24 weeks and in some patients who have had severe preeclampsia in the past (or other poor obstetrical history), the test can be performed as early as 11-14 weeks with the first trimester ultrasound.  The importance of the test is to implement treatment and further close monitoring in those patients at most risk.

If you have one of the following risk factors or other risk factors, a uterine artery doppler evaluation may be recommended:

• h/o preeclampsia, especially severe preeclampsia
• h/o preterm birth, especially if the cause is not known
• h/o stillbirth
• Type I DM
• High blood pressure
• Lupus
• Renal disease
• Congenital uterine abnormality (i.e Bicornuate uterus)
• h/o multiple uterine surgeries (myomectomies)
• Fibroids
• Short pregnancy interval